Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service

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Ours is just a story of an ordinary family who were blessed with an extraordinary little boy.

The journey that was to change our lives began in November 2001 when our precious first child was diagnosed with a brain tumour at just four years of age, there is nothing in this world that can prepare you for such a trauma, and life is never the same again.

Alexander was a very bright and funny child; he loved life and his family very much and had wisdom far beyond his years. He was to call upon all his great qualities in the years to follow.

Once given a diagnosis like this, about your child, the grieving process starts immediately, your whole world is consumed by hospital appointments, doctors, nurses, operations, treatments, scans, stays in hospitals, etc. You are on an emotional roller coaster that you have no control over and cannot get off.

Our son endured four and half years of operations, treatments and therapy and sadly died at the age of eight.

It is through our experience and many months of research and speaking with as many relevant professionals and authorities in this very specialised area of care that we knew, there was no doubt, Berkshire needed its own Childrens Hospice, and so we began the next chapter in our journey and the undertaking of realising Alexander Devine Childrens Hospice Service.

The word hospice is not a word that many relate to with happy thoughts, and I much prefer the Latin a resting place on lifes journey but it is a word recognised by all. I know from our experience that you cannot go into a childrens hospice and not be filled instantly with love, laughter, happiness and tears. There is a huge amount of living that will fill a special home, like ours. That is what we are all about, providing a safe place for all, a place to be yourself and have a safe pair of loving arms around you, as much or a little as you need them.

On this remarkable journey we have been privileged and honoured to meet many amazing children and their families, supporters, volunteers, groups and benefactors, from all different walks of life, this has been the legacy our son has left us and we in turn know that our commitment is lifelong.

Thank you for being part of this journey, a journey that will continue on with your help and support........

Alexander Devine Childrens Hospice Service now funds two community paediatric palliative care nurses who support families across Berkshire in their own homes, providing much needed respite, palliative care, emotional and practical support. We are working towards building Berkshires very own childrens hospice for these local families which will be supported by a home care team.

Building a Childrens Hospice for Berkshire and beyond.An anonymous benefactor recently donated 6 acres of land in the Maidenhead area to Alexander Devine Childrens Hospice Service. A planning application was submitted and we are delighted to announce that our charity has now been granted permission to build Berkshires childrens hospice. With your help we can raise the money to build and run it..

Fiona and John Devine

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